Home » Car Reviews » Pontiac » Grand Prix » 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Mid-Size Sedan
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Mid-Size Sedan
…Continued
Grand Prix Grows Up with Better Looks and Practical Design
Finally, after nine generations of scrapes and bruises, the Grand Prix is an adult.
But adults have more fun, right? They get to stay up late, eat dessert whenever they want, and don't eat veggies unless they choose to. Yup, grown ups know how to have a good time, as does this new Pontiac.
Its terrific drivetrain brings the biggest smiles, as a splendid 3.8-liter V6 makes 200 horsepower in the base model. Even with an automatic transmission its acceleration is inspirational, its response instant, and its exhaust note enchanting, bringing some much-needed excitement to Pontiac's performance crop that's painfully missing the flagship Firebird.
But that's just the start. The real Grand Prix party machine is the high-performance GTP version with an optional Competition Group package. Its supercharged V6 belts out 260 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque for blistering speed, and its upgraded suspension can handle a very impressive .83 Gs of lateral acceleration. It even includes Formula 1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel for a bit of racetrack whimsy, if not true performance enhancement.
Grand Prix GT -- The base version isn't as aggressive but is much more livable in the real world. Its suspension can still be fun on twisty roads, but it's surprisingly compliant, comfortable, and quiet on the highway. Its greatest weakness is its steering feel, which isn't quite sloppy, but it doesn't provide the kind of communicative driving feedback one would expect from such a sporty, driver-oriented sedan.
Inside, this focus on the driver is made obvious by a wrap-around dash that puts all controls within easy reach from the left seat. Passengers may not be so happy about this, though, because several controls, like those for the radio and temperature, are angled in a way that makes them more difficult to see and change.
Despite its clear emphasis on performance, practicality isn't sacrificed. The back seat has comfortable knee and head room, and a 60/40 split bench can fold forward and allow access through the trunk with enough space for a nine-foot ladder or a kayak, Pontiac claims.
Of all the changes for 2004, the best has to be styling. Designers did a great job with the front end, wisely keeping the brand's signature split grille, with elongated headlights, large fog lamps, and a muscular bulge down the center of the hood. An almost coupe-like roofline looks sporty and sleek, while the triangular taillights are classy and smart looking. Only a hint of the ugly ripples remains on the rear decklid and on the taillight lenses.
While it's not a low-priced BMW, as Pontiac was aiming for, it is a vast improvement in terms of style and image over its predecessor. It's more of a real sports sedan than a plastic-clad wannabe, and that's sure to bring excitement for both young and old.
